Hillman boys basketball took a tough loss in the Regional Semi-Final losing to Bellaire in Bellaire. Hillman lost 76-60 and trailed all game.

Bellaire demonstrated great balance with three players in double figures as Hillman would play behind the entire game. The Tigers would dig an early hole being down 20-2 but would go on a 9-2 run to close out the first quarter being down 24-11. The Tigers would continue to play from behind cutting the lead to 13 with five minutes to go in the game but could never get over the hump.

Leading the way for the Tigers was Senior All-State guard Trenton Taratuta. The 2,000-point scorer wouldn’t go down without a fight scoring 40 points and adding eight rebounds and four steals. Evan Crane, Blake Kennard, and Brenden Rouleau would chip in with six points. Kennard would add five blocks as the Tigers dropped to 22-3.

Hillman had a great season securing their third straight conference and district championship after replacing four starters from last year’s quarter-final team.

“We had a great run this year with a lot of question marks to start the season,” Coach Eric Muszynski said. “Guys filled roles and we took off and put ourselves in position to contend!

I want to thank my Seniors Gavin Booms, Blake Kennard, and Trenton Taratuta. The season was great and we held to the program standards. All three guys represented the school and program well.”

ONAWAY LOSES TO ST. IGNACE

Onaway boys basketball was also defeated in the playoffs by St. Ignance on Tuesday. The final score was 79-74 favoring the Saints.